Selaginella Siamensis Hieron

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Spike Moss; Club Moss; Trailing Moss; Lesser Club Moss

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Southern China (Yunnan)

Habitat

Terrestrial, on dry rocky ground in open forests and forest margins at 800-1,800 m elevation, under a seasonal monsoon climate

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

3 – 10 in (7.6 – 25 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Foreground

Water

Temperature

65 – 82 °F (18 – 28 °C)

Humidity

60 – 85%

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green, Blue, Purple, Teal

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Yunnan's monsoon forests are home to this creeping spike moss, found on dry rocky ground under seasonal rainfall. In cultivation it forms low, trailing mats of fine blue-green foliage across the terrarium floor, spreading slowly via rooting stems. Keep it emersed in a humid enclosure with filtered light; it will rot if submerged.

Care

This spike moss is grown as a terrestrial terrarium and paludarium plant rather than as a true aquarium plant, and it will rot if kept submerged. It does best in a closed or semi-closed enclosure where humidity stays consistently high, paired with a loose, well-draining substrate that is kept evenly moist but never waterlogged. Bright but filtered light brings out the iridescent blue-green sheen of the foliage, while direct sun quickly scorches the delicate leaves. Warm, draft-free conditions above roughly 65F suit it best, and it tolerates being slightly pot-bound.

Planting & trimming

Plant in a loose, airy, well-draining mix such as fine bark, coir, and sphagnum moss, keeping the rhizome and stem base at the surface rather than buried deep. It spreads by creeping stems that root as they contact the substrate, so give it open space to trail across the terrarium floor or climb over hardscape. Trim back leggy or yellowing stems periodically to keep growth compact and encourage bushier branching.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing needs are minimal since this is a slow-growing terrarium plant rather than a heavy feeder. A diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer applied sparingly during the growing season is sufficient, and overfeeding can cause leaf burn on the fine foliage. Pale or faded coloration usually points to insufficient humidity or excess light rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Propagation

Propagation is done by taking stem cuttings with a few nodes and laying them on moist substrate in high humidity until they root, or by dividing an established clump along its creeping rhizome sections. New divisions should be kept especially humid until established, as fine root systems are slow to redevelop.

Problems

The most common failure is drying out, where fronds crisp, brown, and die back rapidly if humidity drops below about 60 percent. Overly wet or compacted substrate can lead to stem and root rot, so drainage matters as much as moisture retention. Yellowing or leggy growth typically signals too little light or stagnant air, while scorched tips point to direct sun exposure.

Sources

1. Selaginella siamensis | Orchid Botanics
2. Selaginella Care Guide - Highland Moss
3. Buy Selaginella Siamensis Hieron #1pc - Jiffy Plants
4. Selaginella Siamensis Hieron - Terrarium Plant | Glass Aqua

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